14 The discerning heart seeks knowledge,(A)
    but the mouth of a fool feeds on folly.

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14 An understanding heart seeks knowledge;
    but fools feed on folly.

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31 Whoever heeds life-giving correction
    will be at home among the wise.(A)

32 Those who disregard discipline despise themselves,(B)
    but the one who heeds correction gains understanding.(C)

33 Wisdom’s instruction is to fear the Lord,(D)
    and humility comes before honor.(E)

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31 The ear that listens to life-giving correction
    dwells among the wise.
32 Those who refuse discipline despise themselves,
    but those who listen to correction gain understanding.
33 The fear of the Lord is wise instruction,
    and humility comes before respect.

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16 How much better to get wisdom than gold,
    to get insight(A) rather than silver!(B)

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16 Acquiring wisdom is much better than gold,
    and acquiring understanding is better than silver.

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21 The wise in heart are called discerning,
    and gracious words promote instruction.[a](A)

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 16:21 Or words make a person persuasive

21 The skilled mind is called discerning,
    and pleasant speech enhances teaching.

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24 A discerning person keeps wisdom in view,
    but a fool’s eyes(A) wander to the ends of the earth.

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24 Wisdom is right in front of those with understanding,
    but the eyes of fools are off to the edges of the earth.

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15 The heart of the discerning acquires knowledge,(A)
    for the ears of the wise seek it out.

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15 An understanding mind gains knowledge;
    the ear of the wise seeks knowledge.

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20 Listen to advice and accept discipline,(A)
    and at the end you will be counted among the wise.(B)

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20 Listen to advice and accept instruction,
    so you might grow wise in the future.

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The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters,(A)
    but one who has insight draws them out.

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Advice comes from the deep waters of the heart;
    those with understanding can draw it out.

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18 Plans are established by seeking advice;
    so if you wage war, obtain guidance.(A)

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18 Plans are firmed up by advice;
    wage wars with good guidance.

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11 When a mocker is punished, the simple gain wisdom;
    by paying attention to the wise they get knowledge.(A)

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11 When a mocker is punished, the naive person gains wisdom;
    when insight comes to the wise, knowledge increases.

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Thirty Sayings of the Wise

Saying 1

17 Pay attention(A) and turn your ear to the sayings of the wise;(B)
    apply your heart to what I teach,(C)
18 for it is pleasing when you keep them in your heart
    and have all of them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust may be in the Lord,
    I teach you today, even you.
20 Have I not written thirty sayings for you,
    sayings of counsel and knowledge,
21 teaching you to be honest and to speak the truth,(D)
    so that you bring back truthful reports
    to those you serve?

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Thirty sayings of the wise

17 Turn your ear and hear the words of the wise;
    focus your mind on my knowledge.
18     It will be pleasant if you keep the words in you,
    if you have them ready on your lips.
19 So that your trust will be in the Lord,
    I’m teaching you today—yes, you.
20 Haven’t I written for you thirty[a] sayings
    full of advice and knowledge?
21 Their purpose is to teach you true, reliable words,
    so you can report back reliably to those who sent you.

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Footnotes

  1. Proverbs 22:20 Heb uncertain

Saying 16

19 Listen, my son,(A) and be wise,
    and set your heart on the right path:

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19 Listen, my child, and be wise!
    Keep your mind straight on the path.

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